Nigeria Premier League

Mindgames Scrabble Premier League: D’Warriors Open Camp, Unveil Kits

The current season of the Mindgames Scrabble Premier League (MSPL) will hit its crescendo this weekend with teams getting set for the grand finale in Lagos.

Top flyers Tekena Drones reigns high as Division A leader but nudging closely is the Supremes while Bulldozers, Hurricanes, Word Crafts and Phoenix completed the table.

While in Division B, the D’Warriors who tops that tier, have opened camp on October 3 in preparation for a testy affair in the coming crucial weekend.

The MSPL Scrabble League will be concluded on October 6 and 7 when all teams in the two divisions battle over 19 rounds of games in Lagos where winners will be determined.

D’Warriors which includes Okagbue Ajuluchukwu, Osifor Whiskey, Oghenekaro Onakpogbe, Khaleel Adedeji and Qamar Adebowale while Okim Eugene is expected to join later at Kentade one of the most active clubs in Lagos.

Earlier, three of the players were actively involved in the 2023 Lekki Scrabble Classics as a way of getting primed for the challenges ahead.

At the camp, players will face off against one another with possible friendlies against other teams.

Meanwhile, a fresh level has been added to motivate the players with the unveiling of blazer jackets by the management.

The maroon-coloured outfits will complement the uniqueness of the club as they bring panache to the only Scrabble league in the world.

Adedeji who is a player/manager stated ‘This is our own way for keeping our team focused ahead of this final weekend where we can’t leave anything to chance. We know how unpredictable Scrabble is but with the findings of our backend research, we have decided to put some of these measures into place as a way of getting optimum performance from the team.’

“We are glad that we have led the Division from the first weekend in Lagos last February. We took that lead to Abuja and sustained it before we had to consolidate our position in Benin. So, we intend to finish strong, and we believe that with luck on our side, we shall be victorious and gain promotion to Division A.’

He appreciated all members of the team for the achievements made so far.

D’Warriors enjoy a 22-point- a four-win advantage over second-placed Anagrammers.

The are followed by FPC Titans, Striplings, Sterling Bombers Bayelsa Virtuoso, Airpop Falcons, Encore Flamingos, Great Achievers, Aires, Highflyers and BSP Rangers.

Nigeria Premier League

Ogunmodede reflects on Emo Stars’ win over Abia Warriors

Emo Stars technical adviser Daniel Ogunmodede admitted his side was fortunate to secure a 3-2 victory over Abia Warriors in Ikenne on Wednesday.

Abia Warriors took a 2-0 lead in the first half, with goals from Ayodele Eziekel and Anthony Ijoma. However, Emo Stars responded with three goals from Olamilekan Adebayo, Jabbar Malik, and Franck Mawuena to clinch the win.

Ogunmodede acknowledged that his team had underestimated their opponents but managed to turn things around. “The game was tense and shocking in the first half on our home ground. Not every time you will be lucky against a great team we played against,” he said in the post-match interview.

“We underestimated the qualities of our opponent, and we were punished for it. But luckily, we identified the problem and readjusted to get the victory.”

Emo Stars will now aim to build on this win as they continue their campaign

Nigeria Premier League

Kano Pillars eye maximum points in midweek showdown with Ikorodu City

Kano Pillars are determined to secure all three points in their upcoming fixture against Ikorodu City in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).

The Sai Masu Gida will face Ikorodu City at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos on Wednesday.

Usman Abdallah’s side is upbeat and focused ahead of the match, with the players in high spirits.

“Done and dusted with the shake-ups ahead of our NPFL25 Matchday 21 clash against Ikorodu City this Wednesday at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos,” Kano Pillars wrote on X.

“The boys are in high spirits and determined to secure maximum points as we aim to continue our impressive run this season.”

Kano Pillars currently sit in eighth place on the league table with 28 points.

Nigeria Premier League

Brown Ideye criticizes NPFL standards, calls for major improvements

Enyimba striker Brown Ideye has expressed dissatisfaction with the current state of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), stating that significant improvements are needed to elevate its standard.

Ideye, who rejoined the league in December 2024 after signing for Enyimba, has made appearances in both NPFL and CAF Confederation Cup matches, scoring two goals so far.

Sharing his thoughts following Enyimba’s 2-0 defeat to Kwara United in a rescheduled matchday 16 fixture in Ilorin, Ideye voiced concerns about the league’s challenges.

“The system is getting worse; the league is not improving. I feel like we have a long way to go,” Ideye remarked during an interview.

Despite enjoying his time at Enyimba, the former West Brom striker emphasized that much remains to be addressed in the league.

“My time at Enyimba has been wonderful, but there are a lot of things in the league that need improvement and haven’t changed yet,” he added.

On the poor performances of Nigerian clubs in CAF competitions, Ideye highlighted critical areas requiring attention.

“In terms of traveling, feeding, hotel accommodations, and player relaxation — it’s all bad. Nigerians are not ready for continental competitions. We need to put our house in order before going there, instead of embarrassing ourselves.”